Misuse of DNA in Homicide Cases Dissertation Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Misuse of DNA in Homicide Cases - Dissertation Example Law enforcers and the justice system had a breakthrough when DNA profiling was discovered and applied in law enforcement. This method was deemed more effective than other methods in terms of accuracy and efficiency. This is because it was difficult to disprove DNA, evidence since it places an individual in the scene of the crime. Fingerprints were equally effective, but they are easier to be corrupted and offenders have become knowledgeable with time, for example, they do not leave fingerprints behind in crime scenes. DNA, however, is hard to be corrupted, and it is difficult for and individual to conceal it, since DNA is present in tissues and fluids in the body of a person. Krude (2004) shows how DNA has changed the society and science since mitochondria DNA can be obtained from bones and teeth of an individual. Hypothesis Like any other breakthrough, there have been controversies, which have been raised regarding the misuse of DNA especially in homicide case, despite the fact that DNA of an individual is unique and could not match with others; individuals and law enforcement have misused the technology. Data Source and Method of Collection The data collected through holding surveys, which involved doing personal interviews on DNA specialist. Data was also collected through extensive research on existing literature discussing the subject. Variables We had two defendant variables, defensive and retaliatory violence. Defensive violence was measured through identifying two scenarios that involved Method of Analysis In the analysis process, statistical information including graphs and figures were employed and were cross referenced with the information in the literature on DNA in law enforcement. Major findings DNA Sequencing The data collected by Culliford (1994), DNA refers to the genetic instructions vital for the function and development of all living organisms. DNA is unique in each personage with the exclusion of monozygotic twins. DNA profiling, however, i s the practice commonly employed by forensic scientists to make out the identity of individuals using their DNA profiles. I believe that these profiles are number sets that are encrypted to reflect an individual’s genetic makeup. This identification method is commonly employed in criminal investigations and paternity tests. This is effective since 99.9% of sequences in human DNA are dissimilar with the exception of monozygotic twins. It is crucial for one to understand the concept of DNA technologies in order to have a better insight on the use of DNA in criminology. History of DNA Profiling According to The technique of DNA, profiling was initially reported in 1984 at the University of Leister. This was through sir Alec Jefferys, a British geneticist who developed a method of DNA fingerprinting and profiling. It is evident that the scientist made this crucial discovery while observing the image of a DNA in an x-ray film. This image showed evidence of some similarities and di stinctions in DNA. He used samples of DNA from the different family members of his staff. This enabled him to determine a scope through which DNA fingerprinting could be used to identify individuals using this method. Despite the method being discovered in 1984, it was made commercially available three years later. In the article,